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A behind-the-scenes documentary series on Germany’s disastrous 2022 World Cup campaign is about to drop.
The hit All or Nothing show, which has featured a number of leading clubs sides, has gone international by following the Germans in Qatar last year. The makers secured access to manager Hansi Flick, players and officials while there is plenty of dressing room footage too.
Daily Star Sport has been granted a sneak peek at the first three episodes, which will be released on Prime Video on Friday.
They make for explosive and, at times, bizarre scenes, including manager outbursts, player disagreements and scenes of geese in flights We’ve picked out three things we have learned from the series…
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England taught Germany how far off they were
The series starts with the build-up to the World Cup which included a Nations League clash against England at Wembley. Germany led 2-0 and then 3-2 in the closing stages, only to draw 3-3, with late errors costing Flick’s team dearly.
Technical director Oliver Bierhoff admitted in episode one: “We failed to convert our chances into goals. You’re 2-0 ahead against England, and you’re lucky it ends up being 3-3.
“We never managed to break that spell. Of course, that negative mood also became a burden itself.”
Kimmich is a hothead
Joshua Kimmich is now one of Germany’s most important and experienced players. He is also one of the squad’s most combustible stars.
After the midfielder reveals he wants to step up and take more responsibility, team-mate Niklas Sule remarks: “He’s a good kid with some minor quirks sometimes.”
It is also said that Kimmich “can lose it a bit when things don’t go his way”. Hardly a glowing endorsement of his temperament!
Flick used geese to tell Germany how to be a team
To prepare his side for their group opener against Japan, Flick naturally told his players to learn from, er, geese.
He even showed the players a video of that particular bird in flight with a message which read: “Let’s learn from geese and take off for our big flight together.”
Flick then took to the floor to share his own geese-related knowledge, saying with a completely straight face: “Greylag geese don’t really have anything to do with us. But they developed a system that allows them to achieve something amazing.
“They manage, when everyone follows the rules, to extend their flight range by more than 70 per cent. I think the film did a good job of showing that.”
Righto, Hansi!
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Armband row to stand up for human rights hindered them
On a serious note, the Germans were keen to address Qatar’s questionable human rights record. Ahead of the Japan game, the players put their hands over their mouths during their team picture after FIFA declared teams that wore the ‘One Love’ armband would be punished.
Physio Stephan Nopp said players’ discussions about their protests hindered their build-up and took the joy away from the football.
“That’s incredibly disruptive because there was no focus or joy for the match,” he argued. “‘It was also just what about if we did this…’ Everything was hindered by that discussion.”
Flick swears in English
After Germany’s shock defeat to Japan, who scored two late goals, the players were shown looking ashen-faced in the dressing room.
But it was about to get worse for them as a furious-looking Flick was shown headed their way. As he enters the dressing room, he is heard to say ‘f*** off’ in English.
As no footage of the post-match inquest is shown, his outburst may have been aimed at the poor camera operator., which is a tad unfair.
Muller calls out tactics and 'different philosophies'
From the start of the series, it was clear all was not well in the German camp. Thomas Muller underlined the situation by questioning the manager’s tactics after the players were shown Japan’s second goal.
He said: “It’s a question of philosophies. We can say we hold the line, keep things narrow. Or the other philosophy is to say that we never play offside and you mark the players.”
Flick responded by insisting his way was best but Muller didn’t look convinced, even shrugging his shoulders at one point.
Players were told off for lack of time-keeping
A strict disciplinarian, Flick was filmed on several occasions highlighting the importance of timekeeping. Matters came to a head in episode three when a player casually walked in late for a team meeting.
“Okay guys, this is the last time I’ll talk about this. Yesterday, a few guys came late. This has to do with respect and appreciation for others. That’s my opinion and I think you share that opinion.”
Rant over, Flick moves on to talking about the crucial second group game against Spain.
Hotel proved to be a disadvantage
Flick wasn’t happen again later in the episode, but this time it had nothing to do with his players. Ahead of the Spain game, with Germany based on the northern tip of the country, he had to travel 200km to Doha to attend the official FIFA press conference.
As a result of the journey time, he was not accompanied by a player. Flick is filmed on the journey as an official reads him the prepared statement which hits out at the media arrangement.
Asked if he was happy with the statement, Flick replies: “Yes, of course. We can make it more candid.” He adds: “We got a hotel all the way out here that was meant to be a sort of base camp. We accepted it and now we’re disadvantaged.”
Celebrated Costa Rica win
Towards the end of episode three, the players were filmed watching the Japan-Costa Rica game on an outdoor big screen. A Japan win would have piled more pressure on the Germans ahead of the Spain game.
So the players were delighted when Costa Rica secured victory, which meant Germany’s destiny remained in their own hands.
“We celebrated almost like it was our own victory,” says Kimmich.
- World Cup
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